Pub move to expand Norwich's downtown nightlife

NORWICH — A West Side pub and live music spot is moving downtown, joining mainstays such as Billy Wilson's and Harp and Dragon and newcomers like These Guys Brewing Company and Epicure as part of a changing nightlife landscape.

Strange Brew Pub announced Sept. 1 it will move from 297 West Main St. into the 86-92 Water St. space formerly occupied by Chelsea Landing.

The pub has been at its West Main Street location since opening in 2013. The owners were scheduled to sign closing papers on the Water Street location Wednesday, according to an announcement on the pub's Facebook page.

"We will be moving Strange Brew to this spot as soon as possible once renovations are completed enough to open the doors," the post said.

The two-story, brick-faced building with a gable roof was constructed in 1810, according to city property records. It was assessed at $242,000 in 2013. RCN Capital LLC of South Windsor purchased it in November 2016 for $150,000. Prior to that it was one of several downtown properties owned and renovated by developer Janny Lam about 10 years ago.

Norwich Community Development Corporation President Robert Mills confirmed the move is planned.

"We have several new businesses that have opened up or are planning to open downtown," Mills said.

Strange Brew hasn't set dates for when it would close its current location and open on Water Street. Attempts to reach owner Jason Wallace Thursday by phone and at Strange Brew were unsuccessful.

But the pub's statement praised "the synergy of the downtown businesses" as a key part of the move, naming Epicure, These Guys, Billy Wilson's, Harp & Dragon and Korean restaurant Namoo.

The pub also hopes to have a positive influence musically in the downtown. In July, Wallace booked and coordinated more than 35 live music acts on 12 different stages for the Rose Arts Festival.

It's good news to local officials like city Alderman Gerald Martin, who's familiar with the pub's current location as well as its future home.

"It's probably a better fit for them," Martin said. "It could allow them to go a little louder and longer, not being next to an apartment house."

It's also a sign, he said, that downtown is "moving along in little steps" to improve.

"I'm happy the city is moving in a positive direction in this aspect with businesses like Epicure and These Guys, which are a good fit," he said. "They're all spokes in the wheels of progress."